Yoga is a Sanskrit word which describes the unitive nature of reality as well as providing a wide range of practices designed to clear away distractions. These self-transformative disciplines originating in India some 5,000 years ago.

Here at the Kula, much of our practice is grounded and informed in what is known as Classical Yoga or Raja Yoga - the Royal Yoga which encapsulates the practice of Hatha Yoga.

Its principal Sanskrit text is the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali (c. 200 BC). This path consists of eight "limbs" (astanga) or categories of holistic practice for the purpose of fully regaining and living one's life.

Patanjali describes the path of Astanga (8-limbed) Yoga as follows: (interpreted by Katherine Banbury)

1. Yama - Harmonizing Universal Virtues

   1. ahimsa - nonviolence
   2. satya - truthfulness
   3. asteya - non stealing
   4. bramacharya - moderation
   5. aparigraha- non grasping , non greed, non hoarding

2. Niyama - Harmonizing Individual Virtues

   1. saucha- purity of mind and body, cleanliness
   2. samtosha - contentment, gratitude
   3. tapas - discipline ( In Latin=Self love), the willingness to practice what is necessary to reach a goal, steadfastness
   4. svadhyaya - life study and contemplation - including both the traditional Yogic texts and a mindful steadfastness to the study and welcoming of the self
   5. Isvara pranidhana - a surrendering, cultivating a willing suspension of disbelief, sincerity, dedication, faith.

3. Asana - The practice of grounding the spiritual virtues in the body. Mindful, somatic, posture practice (Hatha Yoga)

4. Pranayama - The science of breath - harmonizing the body/mind with Prana - the life force

5. Pratyahara - Drawing the senses inward with an innocent mind. Emphasis is on perceiving rather than engaging one's attention on the objects of perception.

6. Dharana - Cultivating the skill of focusing attention in the here and now.

7. Dhyana - Meditation, the main practice of Yoga.  A relaxed, alert and sustained level of attention arising in awaring Presence

8. Samadhi - Enstasy - to stand inside unqualified, unborn, undying Self.  Bliss, AT-ONE- MENT.

The goal of Raja Yoga, as of all forms or branches of Yoga, is Self-realization.  Directly experiencing one's true nature arising in Presence.

According to universal, revealed, Eternal Truth (Sanatana dharma), present not only in Yoga, but within the core of all major religions and philosophical or spiritual sects, all is One:

1. There is no separation with anything or anyone. Everything and everyone is interconnected and a distinct expression of the unqualified One.

Yoga is both the fruition and the application of specific, consistent disciplines to realize the Oneness of everything

Yoga is timeless, it is as pertinent today as it was in ancient times. It is practiced and embodied through direct experience for the benefit of all living creatures.

One of the most direct connections with Yoga is the flow of breath, which arises, unfolds and dissolves from the power of stillness, and informs and supports all subsequent movement in the body/mind in Presence.